Kopi’vosian and Greetings from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo!

There have been a lot of events and new tourism attractions introduced during the past half year of 2009. One of the attractions that is getting very popular is the Mari Mari Cultural Village located just 25 minutes from the city. Since the introduction of this product, many visitors have come to experience this unique cultural exhibit which undoubtedly takes you back in time.

This year we look forward to welcoming birders and nature lovers from all over the world at the 1st Borneo Bird Watching Festival to be held in Sandakan on October 13-15 2009. Come and experience Sabah's natural surroundings and try catch a glimpse of the elusive Bornean Bristlehead which is found only in Borneo.

There are several big events happening this August. The Malaysia Film Fest 2009, Malaysia's most prestigious film fest comes to Sabah for the first time, from August 5-8. The organizer, FINAS, has revealed that it will be the biggest film fest ever. We remember the fallen Australian soldiers during World War II at the Sandakan Memorial Day which will be held in Sandakan on August 15. Relatives and friends of those who died and suffered during the infamous Death March (from Sandakan to Ranau, about 160 miles long) are among those who will attend this event. “The World’s Toughest Mountain Race”, 23rd Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon 2009 is also back this year, on October 24-25. This yearly event is expecting a lot of participation from international runners especially runners from The Buff Sky Runners association. For more details of the events, you can check out our website on the events section.

The Sabah Tourism Board wishes to assure that Sabah including its many islands is SAFE.

Despite travel warnings issued, tourists continue to visit the islands around Sabah for diving, snorkeling and sightseeing activities. The Police and the Malaysian Armed Forces have put in place extensive measures to combat terrorism and criminal acts and to ensure safety of the general public. Many visitors to Sabah have conveyed their satisfaction and delight that Sabah is a safe place to visit especially for diving.

Sabah will be ready to accommodate more tourists coming in as more hotels opening by this year and next year. We are also expecting an increase in tourist arrivals after the completion of the new and improved KKIA terminal this year.

The weather is unpredictable but as a general guide, the wet season falls between November and February. Nevertheless, sunny blue skies typify most days and it is summer all year round.
We look forward to welcome you to truly experience the beauty of The Land Below the Wind - Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

For more information please contact:
Sabah Tourism Board – Market Communications Section
Email: hana@sabahtourism.com, dlgaban@sabahtourism.com, info@sabahtourism.com